Tag Archives: Dog owner check list for senior dogs

1.When your dog turns 6 years old have a complete medical examination with your vet.

2.Examine your dog occasionally when cuddling for lumps and bumps.

3.Have your dogs teeth cleaned. This can prevent major problems in the future. This is very important, especially for toy breed dogs.

4.Speak to your vet about your dogs food. Nutritional needs change over time. Adding a few supplements or changing your dogs food to a senior diet could be needed.

5.Aging dogs sleep longer and deeply. Dog parents with children need to remember to recheck their reality. What was and still is a nice dog may have physical changes happening that we aren’t aware of (such as sight changes and hearing loss) due to theaging process. Even the nicest dog can snap at a child how is approaching their dog to pat it while sleeping. Note any changes in your dog and communicate this to your children or create a new schedule for your dog as to where he/she naps. If you have young children, creating a baby gated space for your aging dog to sleep will protect both.

6.Do some training on a leash! Yup, bring back the puppy in your older dog. The leash will formalize this fun exercise and really create the focus and attention your older dog will love then go through some old tricks. Your older dog will love the attention and praise for this accomplishment. Training also enables you to see if your dog is hearing or seeing properly. Changes can happen subtly but go un noticed. As your dog ages it’s common to go into a bit of a “dog owner denial” and think our dog is just being stubborn, when really other changes might be taking place.

7.Become aware of your dogs water intake. This can be an indicator of changes on the way and vet’s welcome new information. Noting water intake changes, eating and sleeping habits help guide your vet too in helping to Always check with your vet.